Beasts Before Us - The Untold Story of Mammal Evolution

Explore the fascinating journey of mammal evolution in this captivating lecture presented by Dr. Elsa Panciroli from the University of Oxford Museum of Natural History. Delve into the ancient origins of mammals, tracing their lineage back over 300 million years to the Carboniferous period. Discover how recent fossil findings and technological advancements have unveiled the evolutionary path of synapsids, from the first land-dwelling animals to the diverse array of modern mammal groups. Learn about the emergence of enormous beasts with faster metabolisms that dominated the world long before dinosaurs, and understand how mammal miniaturization during the Triassic and Jurassic periods shaped our senses and life history. Gain insights into the untold story of mammal evolution, challenging conventional narratives that often begin after the dinosaur extinction event.